La Braderie de Lille: Bits & Bobs

Home to Europe’s largest flea market, the now-famous Braderie de Lille takes place near the Belgian border in the charming Franco-Flemish town of Lille, welcoming hordes of visitors numbering as many as 1 million from all over Europe and elsewhere. The city center’s streets are closed to cars for the 2-day event, which hosts a wide variety of sellers ranging from chain stores to people emptying their attic or garage– known as ‘vide-grenier’- to professional antique dealers and more. Stylesight joined the treasure hunt at the 2011 edition, darting in and out of the massive crowds to find the best dealers with the most inspiring wares. Below, a series of our favorite bits & bobs– fabric trims and lace, and one vase– dug from the piles of treasure over the weekend. Stay tuned for the full report!